Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees Recipe

If you’re looking to add a festive flair to your holiday table, the Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees Recipe is a total game changer. These golden, flaky puff pastry treats are packed with savory sharp cheddar and tender diced ham, making them irresistibly tasty and perfectly festive. They’re not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly fun to make and share, bringing cheers and warmth to any Christmas celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of rich flavors and delightful textures. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the buttery puff pastry, the melted sharp cheddar’s tang, or the savory ham adding that perfect meaty punch.

• Puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed): This provides the light, flaky base that becomes beautifully golden and buttery when baked.
• Sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Adds a zesty, melty richness that’s the heart of the filling.
• Cooked ham (1 cup, finely diced): Brings a smoky, savory element that complements the cheese perfectly.
• Egg (1, for egg wash): Gives the pastry a shiny, attractive golden finish.
• Dijon mustard (1 tbsp, optional): Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor if you want a little extra kick.
• Melted butter (1 tbsp): Brushed on at the end to keep the pastry glossy and enhance buttery richness.
• Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): A mellow garlic note that pairs beautifully with the cheddar and ham.
• Dried parsley (1/2 tsp, for garnish): Adds a splash of festive green color and a hint of herb aroma.

How to Make Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Christmas trees bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you that perfect crispy bottom crust.

Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets. This helps even out the dough and creates a smooth platform for layering your delicious filling.

Step 3: Add the Mustard for Extra Flavor (Optional)

If you want to take things up a notch, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over one of the puff pastry sheets. It adds a lovely tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese and ham.

Step 4: Layer the Cheddar and Ham

Evenly sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and diced cooked ham over the mustard (or directly on the dough if skipping mustard). Press gently into the dough to make sure your filling stays put when you add the top layer.

Step 5: Seal with the Second Pastry Sheet

Carefully place the second sheet of puff pastry over the filling and gently press along the edges to seal. This locks in all that cheesy, savory goodness.

Step 6: Cut Out Christmas Trees

Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out adorable tree shapes from the layered pastry. Gather any scraps, re-roll the dough, and continue cutting until all the filling is used up.

Step 7: Egg Wash for a Beautiful Finish

Place your cut-out Christmas trees on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with beaten egg. This step is key for getting that irresistible golden shine.

Step 8: Bake Until Puffy and Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re puffed up and have a gorgeous golden color that practically smells like Christmas.

Step 9: Add the Finishing Touches

Right after pulling them from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter mixed with garlic powder, then sprinkle with dried parsley. This adds extra flavor, shine, and a festive pop of green herbiness.

How to Serve Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees Recipe

Garnishes

One of the best parts about this Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees Recipe is how it looks inviting as soon as it hits the table. A light sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a lovely color contrast while enhancing aroma. You could also serve with a side of whole grain mustard or a tangy cranberry chutney for dipping to elevate flavors even more.

Side Dishes

Since these stuffed Christmas trees are quite rich, pairing them with crisp, refreshing sides works wonderfully. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts and carrots. For a heartier meal, a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup complements the cheddar and ham filling perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

You can make this dish the star of your holiday spread by arranging the Christmas trees on a festive platter with sprigs of rosemary and cranberries for color contrast. If you’re serving at a party, pop them on a tiered serving tray to keep things elegant and easy to grab. For kids, let them decorate their own trees with little dabs of cream cheese or ketchup for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their texture and flavor wonderfully for up to 2 days, making them easy to enjoy later.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the unbaked cut-out Christmas trees on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few minutes to the bake time and enjoy freshly baked trees anytime you want.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely flaky texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of sharp cheddar?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives a classic tangy flavor, you can substitute with Gruyere, mozzarella, or even a smoked gouda—each will bring a unique twist to this Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees Recipe.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, you can skip the ham and add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian alternative that pairs just as well with cheddar cheese.

Can I prepare these trees in advance?

Definitely. You can assemble the stuffed trees and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This recipe also freezes beautifully unbaked, perfect for prepping ahead of time.

What if I don’t have a Christmas tree cookie cutter?

No worries! You can use any festive shaped cutter like stars or bells. Alternatively, simply cut the dough into triangles to resemble pine trees and still enjoy all the delicious flavors.

How do I make sure the pastry doesn’t get soggy?

Pressing the cheese and ham lightly into the dough before sealing and baking at a high heat ensures the puff pastry puffs up nicely without becoming soggy. Also, avoid overly wet fillings to keep the pastry crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar and Ham Stuffed Christmas Trees Recipe is a true festive delight that’s simple enough for any home cook but packed with so much charm and flavor that it feels special. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a fun snack, it brings the magic of the holidays directly to your kitchen table. Give it a try, and watch your loved ones light up with every flaky, cheesy bite!

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